Potato leafhopper is present throughout the state. This insect feeds on a wide range of annual and perennial plants, including potatoes, green beans, apples, maples, and redbuds. As it feeds, it secretes a salivary enzyme that kills cells and causes distorted growth and reduction in growth and yield. In apples, it's most common in young plantings not often treated for other pests because they are not yet fruiting, but it also occurs in blocks where spray programs have been reduced because of freeze damage and in blocks where selective insecticides used against codling moth (such as Altacor, Delegate, and Rimon) do not control it. Consult the 2012 Midwest Vegetable Production Guide and the 2012 Midwest Tree Fruit Spray Guide for effective insecticides labeled for specific crops. (Dr. Rick Weinzierl, U of I).

Japanese beetle emergence has begun in the southern part of the state. This insect will begin emerging in more northern locations soon, and it feeds on a wide range of crops.

Summer tipping brambles. Tipping of primocanes is an important management practice for summer bearing blackberries and black raspberries. Height to tip is relative to vigor. Vigorous thornless blackberries can be tipped at 40-48 inches for best results. Black raspberries should be tipped no higher than 36-40 inches to help develop a stout cane capable of supporting itself. Ideally primocanes should be tipped as they reach the appropriate height with minimal tissue removed. (Purdue University, Facts For Fancy Fruit)